Description

These chewy salted caramel pretzel cookies feature browned butter, crunchy pretzels, and gooey caramel bits for a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
1 ½ cups (300g) dark brown sugar
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 cups coarsely chopped salted pretzels
1 cup caramel bits
½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden amber and nutty (5-7 minutes). Pour into a heatproof bowl and cool for 10-15 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine cooled browned butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth (about 2 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in chopped pretzels, caramel bits, and white chocolate chips by hand.
Cover and refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour (or up to 3 days).
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop dough into 2-tablespoon balls, spacing them 2 inches apart. Press extra pretzel pieces and flaky sea salt on top.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden but centers look soft.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Chilling the dough is crucial for thick, chewy cookies. Do not overbake; centers should look soft as they will firm up while cooling. For best texture, use dark brown sugar and fresh pretzels.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 280
Sugar: 24
Sodium: 250
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 1
Protein: 3

Keywords: chewy cookies, salted caramel, pretzel cookies, browned butter, dessert, baking, sweet and salty